You have done it many times before and never been successful. Opioids have such a grip on you that every time you try to quit, it doesn’t seem to stick. You’ve even experienced an overdose before, but nothing has worked to help you stop. Even quitting opioids cold turkey didn’t work – it was actually one of the times you overdosed.
Where can you turn for help? How can you finally stop?
You are not alone in your thinking, but for many Virginians, the thoughts came too late. In 2022, over 2,000 opioid overdose deaths occurred in Virginia, excluding fentanyl. That’s more than double the amount of deaths caused by car accidents in that year. This shows how prominent opioid use disorders are and how more people need access to care.
Here at ReVIDA® Recovery, we are bridging the gap and connecting patients to opioid use disorder care throughout Virginia and Tennessee. Our blog is a free resource with tools and tips for those looking for help. Today, let’s take a look at quitting opioids cold turkey, what it means, and the dangers behind the process.
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Understanding the Drivers Behind Opioid Use Disorder
Opioids are a type of substance derived from the opium poppy plant. Native to Southern Europe and Northern Africa, the opium poppy plant is the source of seeds utilized in cooking as well as being the main ingredient for many illicit and prescription opiates and opioids. Opiates are considered the natural form of the poppy plant including morphine and codeine. Opioids are typically partially or fully synthesized and contain little to no plant material. These include heroin and fentanyl.
All opiates and opioids pose the risk of causing dependence. Dependence is the main driver behind opioid use disorders, however, being dependent does not mean you automatically have a disorder. Many who take opioid medications as prescribed can develop dependence. This is where the brain becomes accustomed to having opioids in the system and changes how it releases chemicals to fit opioids’ presence. This occurs with opioid receptors in the brain, which release dopamine when opioids attach to them. Dopamine is the reward chemical that the brain naturally releases when good things happen. When opioids disrupt that cycle, less dopamine is released naturally, and eventually opioids become the only thing that makes the person feel good.
Doctors can help taper dosages of prescription opioids to lessen withdrawal symptoms and decrease dependence. In opioid use disorders, the person is taking opioids on their own terms, risking developing dependence sooner and at a much more severe rate. When opioids are not present, withdrawal will set in and cause uncomfortable symptoms. These include abdominal cramping, runny nose and eyes, muscle tension, and joint pain. The person will feel generally unwell, leading them to take more opioids. This is the cycle of opioid use disorder, and it affects the person physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Cold Turkey Explained: The Harsh Reality of Quitting Opioids Fast
The phrase “cold turkey” is often used to describe stopping a habit suddenly. In the case of quitting opioids, cold turkey means halting all use of any form of opioid abruptly with the goal of not returning to use. As we talked about above, this can be devastating to the person as this will send them into withdrawal. This can cause intense cravings that spark a return to use if the person does not have a strong support system.
The Dangers of Quitting Opioids Cold Turkey
Opioid withdrawal is not typically life-threatening, but it can create situations that become dangerous. Stopping opioid use cold turkey sends the body into detox, where vital organs begin removing the substance completely from the system. While this is happening, the person will feel very ill and sometimes be in a lot of pain. Cravings during withdrawal will be at an all-time high and may lead the person to take opioids again. This is especially dangerous because the body’s tolerance for opioids will be diminished the longer detox occurs. If the person takes the same dose or a higher dose that they were using before, the risk of an opioid overdose increases. Opioid overdoses require medical attention as breathing can slow or stop altogether, leaving the person vulnerable to organ failure, brain damage, and death.
Another danger of quitting opioids cold turkey is the mental side effects that may be experienced. Those with opioid use disorders typically have poor mental health to begin with, experiencing depression, anxiety, and mood swings often. During withdrawal, thoughts can become so down that the person considers self-harm, suicide, or harming others. These thoughts need to be taken seriously as the person may act on these when not in the right frame of mind. Medical attention should be sought if you or someone you love is having these ideas.
Three Easy Tips for Managing Opioid Withdrawal at Home
While quitting cold turkey and going through opioid withdrawal at home is not recommended, there are some tips to help you through the process:
- Have a strong support system: Having people around that you trust and you know will support your quitting opioids is key to helping manage withdrawal. Friends or family members who give in to your cravings will not help the process – it will only start it over. Surround yourself with people who care and who will be strong in helping you go through withdrawal safely.
- Prepare with over-the-counter options: Many over-the-counter medications can help ease withdrawal symptoms. Acetaminophen, anti-nausea, and anti-diarrhea medications can help with pain and stomach problems. Stay hydrated with water, sports drinks, or electrolyte mixes, especially if vomiting and diarrhea are occurring frequently.
- Get some rest: Your body is putting you through the wringer at the moment, and getting some quality rest can help you bounce back quicker. Opioids disrupt the sleep cycle, and getting sleep will help the brain and body heal.
If at any point you feel like you aren’t equipped to manage your withdrawal on your own, don’t forget that support is available. There is no shame in seeking medical help for your recovery.
Safer Alternatives to Quitting Opioids Cold Turkey
The safest alternative to quitting cold turkey is seeking help from a detox facility. These facilities specialize in opioid detox, providing medications to manage withdrawal in a safe environment. The average opioid detox takes around 3-7 days, and staying at a facility ensures you are opioid-free and ready to begin with a opioid addiction treatment program.
If you would prefer quitting opioids on your own, a safer alternative than quitting cold turkey is tapering. Opioid tapering is taking less of the substance over a period of time until they are out of your system. This can still be a dangerous process, especially for those taking illicit opioids. There is no way to know how potent your opioids are as batches of substances such as heroin and fentanyl are always changing. Even pills that look exactly like hydrocodone etc. can be laced with other opioids, making them more potent. Tapering is best done under supervision from a medical professional as they can guarantee what opioids you are taking and at what dose.
Getting Help for Opioid Use Disorder in Virginia
Quitting opioids cold turkey can cause serious, unpleasant symptoms that make it feel impossible to stop. There are treatment methods for opioid use disorder that can help with these symptoms and ease the transition to living an opioid-free life. Suboxone treatment coupled with therapies and skill-building classes will give you the tools necessary to learn the root causes of your addiction and healthier ways to manage stress. You don’t have to keep living in the same cycle – take the first step today to leaving opioids behind.
If you or someone you love is managing an opioid use disorder, help is here in Appalachia. ReVIDA® Recovery understands the complexities of opioid use disorders, which is why it is the focal point of what we treat. Our dedicated team is here not only to offer Suboxone and outpatient therapy, but also community connections to food, housing, jobs, and more. Call us today at 423-631-0432 to learn more about our program offerings.
Reclaim your life.
